Schimel Defends Not Asking Journalist For Source Of Leak

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel is defending not asking a journalist to reveal who leaked him documents collected in the investigation of Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign.

Schimel spokesman Johnny Koremenos said Thursday that Schimel “declined to take this aggressive and potentially coercive action out of respect” for the reporter’s free speech rights.

Schimel’s investigation determined the leak originated from the former Government Accountability Board, but he could not conclude who did it. He recommended disciplinary action against nine people, but no criminal charges.

Koremenos said the Guardian is known for accepting anonymous leaks and protecting the identity of the leakers. He said it is also known for using technology that masks the ability of law enforcement to determine the source of the leak.